Fabrication, testing and simulation of a high spatial resolution alpha-particle imager based on ZnO nanowires in a polycarbonate nanoporous membrane

A new architecture consisting of ZnO nanowires embedded in a polycarbonate nanoporous membrane was proposed, fabricated and simulated as a high spatial resolution alpha particle imager. The experimental and Geant4 simulation results showed that ZnO nanowires could act as scintillating fibers to prevent spread of the generated optical photons inside the imager. This property can be used to precisely determine alpha collision coordinates. An array of these nanowires can be also applied as a new high spatial resolution alpha particle imager. (orig.)